Mavs lose their fifth in a row, 106-85, to Denver

It was the fifth loss in a row for the Mavs, who have lost eight of their last nine games to slip to 12-18 on the season. This also was the seventh time this season the Mavs have lost a game by 20 or more points.

Other than Gallinari, Andre Iguodala had 20 points and eight rebounds for the Nuggets, Kenneth Faried finished with 11 points and 18 rebounds, and Ty Lawson and Andre Miller collected 11 points apiece.

Gallinari made 14-of-23 shots, including 7-of-11 three-pointers. Meanwhile, Iguodala buried four three-pointers in the third period, which ended with the Nuggets holding a commanding 87-70 lead.

OJ Mayo led the Mavs with 15 points, Chris Kaman had 12 points and eight rebounds, and Darren Collison and Vince Carter each popped in 10 points. In addition, Dirk Nowitzki came off the bench again and had just five points on 2-of-10 shooting in 17 minutes.

Denver pounded the Mavs on the boards, 60-43, and also converted 12-of-28 three-pointers. In addition, the Nuggets outscored the Mavs in the paint, 52-34.

The Mavs will finish the calendar year at 6:30 p.m. Sunday against a San Antonio Spurs team that beat them by 38 points in San Antonio last Sunday.